Question : HUMAN TRAFFICKING

(a) whether the Government has taken note on a recent report titled “Trafficking in Persons” released by the United States, according to which India does not fully comply with the minimum standards for elimination of human trafficking and is facing growing official complicity in trafficking;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the Government`s reaction of the findings of the report;

(c) whether the Government is aware of the recent trend of bride trafficking in States with low sex ratio;

(d) if so, the details of such cases reported during the last three years and the current year, State-wise;

(e) whether the Government has received complaints/ reports from various quarters including from the Interpol regarding human trafficking and if so, the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(f) the measures taken by the Government to curb human trafficking in the country ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI HARIBHAI PARATHIBHAI CHAUDHARY)

(a) &(b) : US Department releases Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report every year. India figures in TIER II category of countries in this report. These reports are based on the internal assessment of the US Department of State. The Government of India is taking all necessary measures to combat human trafficking in all forms.

(c ) & (d): There could be instances of human traffic- king on the pretext of marriage in States with low sex ratio. However, data on this specific form is not maintained separately by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

(e): The Government receives complaints/reports of human trafficking from various quarters and appropriate action is taken by the law enforce- ment agencies.

(f): The Government of India has taken various steps to combat human trafficking and has adopted a multi-pronged approach alongwith concerned Ministries and stakeholders, as detailed below:-

(i) Enactment of Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, wherein Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code has been substituted with Section 370 and 370A of IPC which provide for comprehensive measures to counter the menace of Human Trafficking.
(ii) Establishment of Anti Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in 225 districts of the country.

(iii) Issued comprehensive Advisories on Human Trafficking (available at http://stophumantrafficking- mha.nic.in/forms/Sublink1.aspx?lid= 92).

(iv) Organized periodic meetings with Nodal Officers of AHTUs and concerned Ministries to review the efforts taken to combat Human Trafficking.

(v) The Ministry of Women and Child Development constituted a Central Advisory Committee (CAC) under the Chairpersonship of Secretary, MWCD, the Government of India to advise on the issues relating to trafficking.

(vi) The Ministry of Women and Child Development is implementing Ujjawala – A comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of Trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation, Re-integration and Repatriation of Victims of Trafficking.